HILLFOOTS RFC bounced back from defeat the previous week as they edged out Kinross 35-34 at Tillicoultry Park.

Kinross started the game the stronger side, scoring three tries in the opening minutes, one of which was converted.

Hillfoots responded quickly through Keith Slade, with the experienced front rower finishing off from close range after a number of pick-and-go phases from the pack.

Gregor Manson was ever reliable and made no mistake from the following conversion.

Foots’ stronghold in the match waned slightly, with Kinross retaining possession and adding two more converted tries before the break.

Forward Jamie Hunter went into the book and received a yellow card for a high tackle, the whole team receiving a warning as a result.

Just before half time, Ryan Butterworth found space and squeezed his way across the line after a quick tap penalty, which was converted once again by Manson.

The two sides went into half time with Kinross far in the lead, scoreline sitting at 14-31 in favour of the visitors.

Hillfoots conceded a penalty early in the second half to draw out the scoreline to 14-34. This spurred Foots on to make a sensational comeback, as captain Ian Lightley played in Butterworth for his second try.

Foots got their fourth try not long after through Jack Morton as he made a meandering run past a number of Kinross tacklers before diving over the line at the right-hand corner.

Manson was on point again to secure the extras, bringing the scoreline difference to just six points with seven minutes left.

Butterworth completed his hat trick as the clock neared its end, outpacing the defence to dot down and bring the gap down to just on point.

Mason stepped up and slotted the pressure kick to put Hillfoots in front for the first time during the match.

Butterworth was named man of the match alongside Mark Munro, who stepped up to play hooker from the back row.

Graeme Simpson said: “Another close result for us on Saturday, but another great comeback from the player group who fought tooth and nail for each other.

“No one can take that away from them.”

Next up for Hillfoots is a visit to top of the table Panmure, who beat Hillfoots earlier in the season by just nine points.